#UNRWA / How the Biden Administration Kneecapped the Most Essential Aid Group in Gaza, and How the Pause May Become Permanent
In January 2024, following accusations by Israel that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in a #Hamas attack, the #Biden administration paused contributions to UNRWA despite the agency's head firing the accused employees and initiating an independent investigation. Over a dozen U.S. allies followed suit, putting around $450 million in donations on hold and pushing UNRWA to its "breaking point," according to its leadership. At the same time, the U.S. has continued providing military aid to Israel, despite allegations of war crimes during its assault on Gaza.
With #Gaza is on the brink of famine, the move has imperiled UNRWA's unique capacity to deliver aid, as it operates schools, clinics, and food distribution networks serving millions of Palestinian refugees. Experts are warning that attempt to redirect funds through other organizations is not a viable solution, given UNRWA's unparalleled infrastructure and institutional knowledge in the region.
#MotherJones https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/03/unrwa-gaza-funding-white-house-biden-administration-hamas/
#FirstPost https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-pause-on-unrwa-funding-for-gaza-may-become-permanent-13748245.html